On the first day of Chinese New Year, Living Buddha Lian-sheng presided over a Maitreya Blessing and Bardo Deliverance Ceremony. The merit of this ceremony was dedicated particularly to those unfortunate earthquake victims. Grandmaster prayed for those killed in the disaster to be reborn in the pure land and for those who were injured to recover quickly and rebuild their homes soon!

Living Buddha Lian-sheng Sheng-yen Lu discoursed the key cultivation formula for ''Rainbow Longevity Practice'' which enhances longevity and health: to be disciplined, to observe the decencies, to harmonize one's actions with the natural order of the seasons, and to keep little in mind!


【 Master Liandian Reporting from Nantou, Translated by Henry Wolf, Translation Accuracy Edited by DJ Chang】

On New Year's Day. 02/08/2016 Living Buddha and Dharma King Lian-sheng Sheng-yen Lu presided over a Maitreya Bodhisattva Homa Ceremony. Following the homa, Living Buddha first wished everyone a happy and joyous New Year and he hoped that everything would be completely auspicious for everyone!

Grandmaster noted that there were four new statues on the altar: the monk Liao Ming, the 16th Karmapa, Sakya Deshung Rinpoche, and Master Thubten Dargye. These four statues are extremely dignified and were a gift from the Ten Directions Cultivation Society in Hong Kong. Moreover, on this first day of the new year, these four masters and Maitreya all descended and blessed everyone.

Grandmaster mentioned the level 6 earthquake which happened two days ago. Upon watching this news on TV, Grandmaster's heart was heavy and he could not hold back his tears.

During the 2015 Mid-Autumn Festival, Golden Mother foretold through the Divine Table Spiritual Consultation that Taiwan was going to be hit with an earthquake in excess of 6.0 on the richter scale. The truth is, in our hearts we hoped this prediction would not come true.

Qiu Zhengyi, the president of Lotus Light Charity Society Southern Region led a group to the disaster area at once to render material aid and provide assistance. The group rendered all kinds of assistance and aid to the disaster victims from the Lingxiao Hall of Wulong Temple in Yongkang, Tainan. Since it is also the new year, at the same time they provided the poor with gift certificates and supplies. Taking this opportunity, we urge everyone who has money to give money and we hope that those who are able to help out will help out. During this deliverance ceremony we prayed that those unfortunate souls who were killed in the earthquake would be reborn in the Buddha Pure Land. In addition, we prayed that those who were injured will recover quickly and that everyone will be able to rebuild their houses soon!

Living buddha Lian-sheng discoursed that ''Maitreya Bodhisattva'' is in fact the principal deity of ''I-Kuan Tao.'' Grandmaster is very familiar with this sect for, at younger age, he was one of their ''Masters.'' Maitreya, a Mighty Buddha King of Great Authority, is also called ''The Benevolent One,'' (for his compassion) and ''Ajita, ''...

During the era of Tisya Buddha, he had two disciples, Shakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya. Maitreya's accomplishment was so high that he not only exceeded Shakyamuni Buddha
but had also perfectly accomplished all dharma practices.

Through his observation of the affinity of his two disciples to the human realm, Tisya Buddha was able to discern that Shakyamuni's affinity had ripened first. Thus it was Shakyamuni who descended to be the founder of Buddhism in the human realm. Maitreya was to come to the human realm later. Thus Maitreya is also a Mighty Buddha King of Great Authority.

Maitreya was one of the ancient buddhas. In the future he will be ''No. 1'' in delivering sentient beings in samsara. The Tibetans call him ''Jampa Buddha!''

In addition, Living Buddha Lian-sheng discoursed the key cultivation formula of the ''Rainbow Longevity Practice'' for long life: sleep soundly; maintain a minimum of thoughts in mind! eat little to keep the stomach healthy; dress appropriately for the season; exercise regularly; eat a certain amount of food at a certain time; cut down on salt, sugar and oil; don't go to extremes of happiness or depression; don't lose your temper; maintain a kindly and compassionate heart... To preserve your eyesight don't stare at your mobile device, your computer, or your tv for too long.

As a parent, don't get mad at your kids and hit them!
Be self disciplined, observe the decencies, and harmonize one's actions with the natural order of the seasons!

At the end of the ceremony, Living Buddha Lian-sheng bestowed on his disciples the empowerments of Maitreya Uncommon Practice, White Cloud Visualization, and Chinese New Year Blessing. Masters passed out Body Protection Red Envelopes. The ceremony was complete and perfect.

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Song and Dance Celebration for the 1st Day of the New Year


On February 8th, 2016, Day 1 of the Chinese New Year, the Heavenly Harmony Choir and the Sunshine Dance Troupe ushered in the New Year

【Reported by Master Shi Liandian in Nantou, Translated by Lynn Ang, Translation Accuracy Edited by DJ Chang, English Proficiency Edited by Shelley Higgins】

On February 8th, 2016, Day 1 of the Chinese New Year, prior to the Homa Ceremony, Shimu Lianxiang a.k.a. Captain Xiangxiang led the youthful and dynamic Sunshine Dance Troupe in setting the atmosphere for a happy lunar new year. Additionally, the Heavenly Harmony Choir sang a repertoire of heartwarming music, allowing everyone present to experience a refreshing ''new year atmosphere,'' experiencing happiness and delight!
Below are some beautiful photographs from the event:

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